2:295 – You Can Make An Impact

#faithbites #faithjourney impact

Journeying through life is hard. Following Christ is hard. It’s easy to hold onto grudges and think that things will never get better. It’s been said that holding a grudge is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.

Today, for the first time in a while, I saw improvements both at home and at work. Is it because the other person changed or because I said something? I don’t know. At home, I didn’t give in on a punishment for my youngest and it was rough but she came around. At work, some appreciation for all of us and what we do was shown.

We may not know how or when things will get better, but you do make an impact.

Scripture

• For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. – Philippians 2:13
• Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12

Reflection

Everything we do has an impact. We can choose to impact others for good or to hurt them. When we accept Jesus, he works in and through us. When things change, it’s because the Holy Spirit is helping us to do God’s work. Again, it’s not easy to live life. Follow Jesus is hard. But throughout all of this, God never gives up on his promises. He will be with us and give us the crown of life.

What does this all mean? In a nutshell, God won’t ever leave us. He knows how much we can take. He also works through us to impact and change the hearts of others. It may take a long time to see that impact, or it may be right away. You will know it when you see it.

My daughter will continue to challenge me. Work will continue to vex me as I learn and make an impact. Our faith will hold us through and we will be steadfast under His guidance.

Challenge

Be yourself and follow the Lord. He will use you in ways you never thought possible. Be open to that. Also, know that the change may be minor at first, but like the butterfly effect, you may be creating a hurricane on the other side of the world.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for giving me that sign that things are getting better. No matter how hard it is, you are there always giving us hope. Sometimes, we think that the darkness is all there is. Continue to use us so that we can have the impact you want us to. Give us those signs that show we are on your path and things are getting better. We love you, honor you, and know you are always with us. In your name, Amen.